What should I put in a 2D Animation portfolio for art school?
I am a senior in high school interested in 2D animation with ADHD and Autism but also have wrestling during the winter. I also have ideas for a story along with tons of characters involved.
What type of pieces should I put in my Portfolio? Should I try making a character design sheet? Should I have a charcoal piece or do I need a story board? Or even a short comic piece?
I'm planing on making an animation reel. But what are some ideas?
Also what are some good procreate brushes for line art and sketching?
3 answers
Christopher Mckiernan
Christopher’s Answer
Hopefully you have some animation software like after effects, premiere, or adobe animate to make one.
If not, you gotta talk to your teachers or professors and see if they can help you.
A demo reel should showcase your animation and video skills no matter what they are....from 2D, 3D, etc.
Take your best work, arrange it in clips, and show the world what you can do.
Jiadi’s Answer
Here are two things regarding to reels that I have learned over the years, hope these are helpful!
1. Keep it Around 1 Minute:
Keeping your reel short and to the point is crucial because the most effective reel showcases the best of your work. With schools receiving countless applications daily, ensure that you eliminate unnecessary content and only include your finest work in your reel. According to my mentor, who has been in the animation / ad industry for decades, it's best to keep your reel below 1 minute.
2. Put in A Variety of Your Work:
For school application, usually it's the best idea to put in a variety of your work, unless you are applying for an animation major that is more specific. Feel free to put your character design sheets and other work in the reel to show that you are multi-talented in a variety of ways. Comic piece would be a great idea as well!
Best of luck!